My New Racquet Dilema

OK, just when I thought I was fine with the Wilson Juice 100, soon to be getting the Steam 99s a new development takes place…..
I switched to a one hand backhand. It just kind of happened. I was playing a friendly singles match and started fooling around with it and noticed how much more “natural” it felt to me. Plus, I was getting good pace on it too…something I rarely get with the 2 hander. So I stuck with it for 3 matches now and it’s better than I thought and getting better. BUT……I started noticing a little elbow soreness after playing each time. Nothing like TE, but I don’t want to take any chances and want to stick with the one hander now for good.
So…. I think I need to stay away from the light, evenly balanced tweeners that need poly.

Here are my new desired specs that hopefully won’t aggravate my elbow on the one hander and also enhance it...

Volkl o10 295 or Volkl PB10 295 - put a little lead a 3&9 o'c and counter with lead on handle to your desired balance and you are good to go. Use soft strings in the mains - gut, or multi, or syn gut with a poly cross if you like poly spin. Also string moderately low - mains 48-56 lbs with poly cross tensioned at main tension minus 4 lbs. I would put at least 4 grams on the head - maybe 3 at 3/9 o'clock and 1 at noon.

Volkl are good quality rackets - very precise control and the lower tension with soft mains will give you plenty of power. Also, Volkl are excellent for comfort.

Advice from an old guy: if you are having elbow pain, take a few days off and work on some wrist, forearm, biceps and triceps exercises to strengthen the area below and above the elbow. Also, ice the elbow after you play.

Volkl o10 295 or Volkl PB10 295 - put a little lead a 3&9 o'c and counter with lead on handle to your desired balance and you are good to go. Use soft strings in the mains - gut, or multi, or syn gut with a poly cross if you like poly spin. Also string moderately low - mains 48-56 lbs with poly cross tensioned at main tension minus 4 lbs. I would put at least 4 grams on the head - maybe 3 at 3/9 o'clock and 1 at noon.

Volkl are good quality rackets - very precise control and the lower tension with soft mains will give you plenty of power. Also, Volkl are excellent for comfort.

Advice from an old guy: if you are having elbow pain, take a few days off and work on some wrist, forearm, biceps and triceps exercises to strengthen the area below and above the elbow. Also, ice the elbow after you play.

Click to expand...

I think the PB10 L is a better idea than the Organix model. The PB is 5 pts headlite and the Organix only 3. But a mjor negative is the Volkl gripshape. I would have to either mod it myself or replace it with an Attiva grip.

About the elbow...yes I will be careful. I JUST switched and am using my right arm in a new way, so I have to be careful of not doing too much too soon with it.

Why not try the Federer frame?
If you can handle the mass, the footwork to find the narrow sweet spot, and if you love hitting pinpoint shots with sharp angles, you definitely should nudge it into your choices of demo.
Although, through the years, the 90 has varied in feel..

Which blx are you talking about? The 16x18 or 18x20? I have the old k-factor (18x20). I have leaded it up to more of a baseliner spec(see sig.), but I could probably just add a leather grip to make it more headlight, or just wrap more lead tape around the bare handle. Either way, make sure you add some lead tape to 2 & 10 o-clock positions, really makes the sweetspot larger. Also, make sure you match the frames from TW, I bought one BLX and then sold it because it was head-heavy and already had a high SW before lead.

Why not try the Federer frame?
If you can handle the mass, the footwork to find the narrow sweet spot, and if you love hitting pinpoint shots with sharp angles, you definitely should nudge it into your choices of demo.
Although, through the years, the 90 has varied in feel..

Which blx are you talking about? The 16x18 or 18x20? I have the old k-factor (18x20). I have leaded it up to more of a baseliner spec(see sig.), but I could probably just add a leather grip to make it more headlight, or just wrap more lead tape around the bare handle. Either way, make sure you add some lead tape to 2 & 10 o-clock positions, really makes the sweetspot larger. Also, make sure you match the frames from TW, I bought one BLX and then sold it because it was head-heavy and already had a high SW before lead.

I think the PB10 L is a better idea than the Organix model. The PB is 5 pts headlite and the Organix only 3. But a mjor negative is the Volkl gripshape. I would have to either mod it myself or replace it with an Attiva grip.

About the elbow...yes I will be careful. I JUST switched and am using my right arm in a new way, so I have to be careful of not doing too much too soon with it.

Click to expand...

FWIW, I own the PB10 295 and have demoed the X10 295 multiple times (meaning I have used it for several weeks). The differences in the patterns has a significant effect on feel, and comfort. I much preferred the feel of the X10. Grip shape aside, the Bio Sensor dampening in the X10 grip is one of the few racquet technologies that actually works -- and the effect is not subtle -- it is very effective. I also think the X10 is slightly more stable than the PB10 in stock form. While there are a couple of points difference in the balance of the two racquets on paper, it wasn't a factor on the court. I play Fischer and Pacific but will be buying a couple of X10 295's if and when they go on sale. Of course, both Volkl 295's are great platforms for customization.

Jack - I know you have good string knowledge, but are there any multi's you like? You could try full bed, strung low. Also, the new Dunlop Biomimetic 200 16x19 specs look interesting (on Dunlop's non-US English part of the site), and I think they might be on TW on or around Feb 1.

I tried the Donnay and I liked it, but felt arm fatigue after a few hours of hitting; great stick otherwise.

I am going to test out my OHBh with the new Steams when the demos are out in 4 weeks and see how that goes. Good luck in your renewed search!

I find it super funny that you're looking at totally different sticks now. In all honesty, your 1hbh should do just fine with a tweener. You shouldn't change everything just because you're worried. If you're starting to get arm/elbow pain, your technique is off. There are many pros that use tweeners and hit 1hbh. I use both one hand and two hand with my pro open. No pain.

Look at it this way: narrower beam means a bigger spin window for an already generous stringbed, so fewer shanks. It also means less drag, cuts throughthe air better, and a more solid, less hollow feel (Chris gives it an 8.3 on feel...).

All the legendary graphite frames from the past had narrow beams, I think the only reason they started making rackets with wider beams was because that was the only way in which they could decrease weight while at the same time increasing stiffness. If they can achieve the same result with newer materials and narrower beams, so much the better!

I find it super funny that you're looking at totally different sticks now. In all honesty, your 1hbh should do just fine with a tweener. You shouldn't change everything just because you're worried. If you're starting to get arm/elbow pain, your technique is off. There are many pros that use tweeners and hit 1hbh. I use both one hand and two hand with my pro open. No pain.

Click to expand...

Yes but I am far from a PRO. Of course my technique will be off some times and I want some protection while I work on it. I am very encouraged how well the one hander is working so far and need something that will enhance it and protect my arm.

Yes but I am far from a PRO. Of course my technique will be off some times and I want some protection while I work on it. I am very encouraged how well the one hander is working so far and need something that will enhance it and protect my arm.

Click to expand...

Getting the head out in front is always the key on the 1HBH. Been using a 1HBH for 44 years... no TE ever. I have used players frames, tweeners and very light frames. If you get the head out in front most of the time you get enough plowthru with any frame and TE is not going to be a factor. Be late too many times and TE will creap in to be sure. Good Luck.. in your quest. BTW it helps to hit the ball clean also...

I JUST switched to the 1 hander and until it is fully developed,
I may be hitting late sometimes, as much as I will try not too.
You guys are getting off point. I am not expecting any racquet to fix any technique errors. I just think a even balanced, stiff large headsize frame with poly isn't the best choice for a one hander.

I JUST switched to the 1 hander and until it is fully developed,
I may be hitting late sometimes, as much as I will try not too.
You guys are getting off point. I am not expecting any racquet to fix any technique errors. I just think a even balanced, stiff large headsize frame with poly isn't the best choice for a one hander.

Click to expand...

Then you should know that switching to a heavy midsize with full multi won't fix the problem. A shank is a shank. Too many will cause you physical pain.

Check out the PSL. It's such a dead feeling racket with it's low flex that I found it be really comfortable when I used to use a 1HBH. It also really protected my elbow from any weird pain on shanks which happened more then I would like to admit with the one hander! :razz:

Then you should know that switching to a heavy midsize with full multi won't fix the problem. A shank is a shank. Too many will cause you physical pain.

Click to expand...

I know that. I am not talking about shanks. I am talking about........
#1 - MINIMIZING any elbow issues while I am learning this stroke
#2 - getting a racquet that enhances this stroke (more HL, smaller head, more flex)

So then everyone that complains of TE while using Bablots should just stick with them? If you hit a stiff frame in the middle there is no elbow pain either. Can we please drop this nonsense? If I was good enough to NEVER be late and to ALWAYS hit the center of the racquet, this would be a moot point.

I would try one of the Pro-Kennex racquets for softer feel in the arm. I would recommend the Q Tour or the Ki-5. I haven't tried the Q5 yet. It says its stiffer in the specs, but I have played with other Q models and they play softer than their stiffness rating indicates.

I know that. I am not talking about shanks. I am talking about........
#1 - MINIMIZING any elbow issues while I am learning this stroke
#2 - getting a racquet that enhances this stroke (more HL, smaller head, more flex)

So then everyone that complains of TE while using Bablots should just stick with them? If you hit a stiff frame in the middle there is no elbow pain either. Can we please drop this nonsense? If I was good enough to NEVER be late and to ALWAYS hit the center of the racquet, this would be a moot point.

PP....this is not unlike your recent switch due to your wrist issues. I don't knwo why people insist on always making the "any racquet will be fine with this..." argument???

Click to expand...

I havent switched racquets due to my wrist in a while. But i dont see the similarity. Now if you are saying that your current racquet hurts you, that's one thing. But there is no reason you cant do what you want with your current stick. Its not meant for one style of play. A 1hander can be hit with any stick. Why not use the one you have and develop the stroke first and then if you still want to switch, do it then?

It will save you a lot of time to do it this way because you are already familiar with what you are using.

You may want to give the Prestige S another try. Very close in the specs you're looking for. I've got one strung with gut main/poly cross. Great, arm friendly, combo for this frame.

Click to expand...

So I tried to press Prestige S at lunch today. I rather liked it a lot. The one I had was strong with a multi and it felt pretty soft and had decent hour. One Hanback cans were nice with it as was groundstrokes. I took it for the weekend To demo some more. The weight and balance are perfect for what I am looking for. My main concern is that damn grip shape, but I guess I will adjust to it it wasn't so bad.

Have you had any more success with other string set ups besides got and Pauly? Have you tried a multi with a poly cross? You Definitely need to keep the tension low on this racket to get some pop out of it. Will see how it goes this weekend but I think the prestige s moved into the list of possibilities. The Donnay Pro 197 is the other front runner. I really wish there was a Wilson racket that fit the specs I am looking for but there doesn't seem to be one? Someone suggested the pro staff 95 which is okay but very thin beam And probably too low powered for me. The other Wilson possibility is the BLX six 1 95 team with some lead way to make it heavier. We'll see how that one goes too.

So I tried to press Prestige S at lunch today. I rather liked it a lot. The one I had was strong with a multi and it felt pretty soft and had decent hour. One Hanback cans were nice with it as was groundstrokes. I took it for the weekend To demo some more. The weight and balance are perfect for what I am looking for. My main concern is that damn grip shape, but I guess I will adjust to it it wasn't so bad.

Have you had any more success with other string set ups besides got and Pauly? Have you tried a multi with a poly cross? You Definitely need to keep the tension low on this racket to get some pop out of it. Will see how it goes this weekend but I think the prestige s moved into the list of possibilities. The Donnay Pro 197 is the other front runner. I really wish there was a Wilson racket that fit the specs I am looking for but there doesn't seem to be one? Someone suggested the pro staff 95 which is okay but very thin beam And probably too low powered for me. The other Wilson possibility is the BLX six 1 95 team with some lead way to make it heavier. We'll see how that one goes too.

Click to expand...

The only other string I've used in this racquet was full bed Sonic Pro. It was okay, but I also needed a little extra pop, and something easy on the arm. The guy/poly plays great for me in this racquet. I'm also a 4.0, and being almost 50 can use a little free power thats arm friendly. I've only played the racquet stock. I also like the Wilson grips better, but have gotten used to the Head grip

The other racquet to consider might be the new Head G Speed Pro 16x19. I'll have to check the specs again.

OK I see. Only problem is it's got an 18" beam and it's low powered. All the playtesters mention low power in the review.

I got 2 good candidates to try out this weekend....The 2012 Wilson BLX 6.1 95 Team and the Prestige S. The Wilson is weighted up to 11.75 oz and 5 pts HL and the Prestige S is 335 grams and 6 pts HL. Both have a 63 stiffness rating. Should be an interesting comparison.

The only other string I've used in this racquet was full bed Sonic Pro. It was okay, but I also needed a little extra pop, and something easy on the arm. The guy/poly plays great for me in this racquet. I'm also a 4.0, and being almost 50 can use a little free power thats arm friendly. I've only played the racquet stock. I also like the Wilson grips better, but have gotten used to the Head grip

The other racquet to consider might be the new Head G Speed Pro 16x19. I'll have to check the specs again.

Click to expand...

What kind of gut you using?

I agree the S stock is perfect specs for me. I was surprised at how much I liked it today. Smooth feel and swings easily. Gotta see how it serves.

OK, just when I thought I was fine with the Wilson Juice 100, soon to be getting the Steam 99s a new development takes place…..
I switched to a one hand backhand. It just kind of happened. I was playing a friendly singles match and started fooling around with it and noticed how much more “natural” it felt to me. Plus, I was getting good pace on it too…something I rarely get with the 2 hander. So I stuck with it for 3 matches now and it’s better than I thought and getting better. BUT……I started noticing a little elbow soreness after playing each time. Nothing like TE, but I don’t want to take any chances and want to stick with the one hander now for good.
So…. I think I need to stay away from the light, evenly balanced tweeners that need poly.

Here are my new desired specs that hopefully won’t aggravate my elbow on the one hander and also enhance it...

You should give the Dunlop 3.0 Tour a look. Seems in your desired specs, but it does have a lot of power for a control oriented racquet. Its 18x20 pattern controls that though. I have a 1hbh and I think it is working very well for mine. It has almost no shock whatsoever too